Hearing her daughter's sudden exclamation, Mrs. Yukinoshita turned toward her with a curious expression.
"You know him?"
Yukinoshita Haruno hesitated for a brief mont before shaking her head.
"He goes to the sa school as Yukino. I ran into him once by chance."
Mrs. Yukinoshita nodded, contemplating sothing before speaking in a low voice.
"If that's the case, perhaps we should allow Yukino to interact with him in the future."
Although the Yukinoshita family had so influence in Chiba Prefecture, owning multiple construction companies, they weren't exactly high enough in status to be among the true elite of this gathering.
The only reason they had managed to secure an invitation was due to their recent business dealings with the Shinomiya Zaibatsu in the construction sector.
This banquet was more than just a birthday celebration—it was an opportunity.
A chance to form relationships with so of the most powerful figures in Japan.
And Mrs. Yukinoshita was well aware of this fact.
While she mingled with high-ranking individuals, Haruno had also been working her own social magic, charming the daughters of prestigious families to establish useful connections.
But what she hadn't expected…
Was for her mother to suddenly turn her attention to Ryuu of all people.
A predatory gleam flashed in Haruno's eyes.
No way. No way in hell.
Her cute, innocent little sister? Around that guy?
Not happening.
Haruno quickly put on her best casual smile and said, "Let's forget that idea, Mother… The last ti I saw him, he was already dating soone."
She knew her mother too well.
If she thought Ryuu was single, she might actually try to push Yukino toward him—and there was no telling how that would end.
Sure enough, after hearing Haruno's strategic response, Mrs. Yukinoshita nodded slightly, dropping the subject.
Haruno exhaled in relief. Crisis averted.
Even so, she couldn't help but glance back toward Ryuu.
Last ti, she'd only heard that he was a popular freshman.
She never expected to see him again at a banquet like this.
---
A soft lody began to play.
The elegant symphony orchestra filled the grand hall with rich, vibrant music, instantly drawing everyone's attention toward the inner courtyard.
Under the dazzling glow of chandeliers, a distinguished figure entered the room—Gan'an Shinomiya, the head of the Shinomiya family.
But the true center of attention was the young girl beside him—
Shinomiya Kaguya.
The Eldest Daughter of the Shinomiya Zaibatsu
And the mont the crowd saw them, they instinctively fell silent.
Kaguya's black dress was a masterpiece of elegance.
Its slim fit traced the graceful curves of her figure, enhancing her natural poise and refinent.
A delicate, ornate necklace rested against her swan-like neck, its intricate gemstones shimring under the light.
She exuded pure nobility.
It was hard to believe that this enchanting young woman was rely a high school freshman.
"As expected of the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya Zaibatsu…" soone murmured in awe.
"She's absolutely gorgeous."
The whispers spread throughout the banquet, but no one disagreed.
Even Ryuu had to acknowledge it.
Kaguya was beautiful, no doubt about it.
But to him, she was also…
A little lacking.
___
Standing before the crowd, Gan'an Shinomiya spoke with calm authority.
"Thank you all for attending Kaguya's birthday celebration. Our Shinomiya family welcos you warmly. Please, enjoy yourselves."
Despite his age, the head of the Shinomiya family exuded a commanding presence.
As soon as he finished speaking, the banquet officially comnced.
Waiters glided across the floor, serving exquisite gourt dishes, while guests began to socialize and network once more.
But then—
Sothing unexpected happened.
All eyes turned as Gan'an Shinomiya and Shinomiya Kaguya began to walk across the hall.
And their destination…
Was Ryuu.
---
Ryuu casually sipped his wine, showing no reaction as the head of the Shinomiya family approached him.
"Since our last eting at Geto's cult, it has been quite a while, Ryuu-kun," Gan'an Shinomiya said, lifting his glass with a polite smile.
"I have been looking forward to this reunion."
Despite his casual tone, there was an undeniable respect in his voice.
It was subtle—but clear.
Gan'an Shinomiya was treating Ryuu as an equal.
Ryuu, of course, recognized this for what it was—a deliberate move.
Even if they had barely spoken before, Gan'an Shinomiya was already trying to fra their relationship as a longstanding friendship.
With an amused smirk, Ryuu lifted his glass in response.
"Well, we're eting now, aren't we? I appreciate the invitation, Shinomiya-san."
As this exchange unfolded, Shinomiya Kaguya silently observed Ryuu.
Her expression remained composed, but her curiosity was undeniable.
Her father—one of the most powerful n in Japan—was personally engaging with this high schooler.
Not only that…
Her father was showing him respect.
Aside from her brother, Shinomiya Oko, she had never seen anyone else receive this kind of treatnt.
Who exactly is he?
---
Gan'an Shinomiya smiled, his gaze sharp.
"I should be the one thanking you, Ryuu-kun, for accepting the invitation. Aside from celebrating Kaguya's birthday, having you here is a great honor for our family."
"And, of course, I must congratulate you," he continued, his tone casual but deliberate.
"Becoming the strongest sorcerer of this era is no small feat."
Ryuu tilted his head slightly.
Ah.
So that's how it is.
Even with Geto's recomndation, there was no way the Shinomiya family head would be this respectful—unless he already knew.
So that's why I was invited.
With a small smirk, Ryuu took a sip of his wine.
"I didn't expect the Shinomiya family head to be so well-inford."
Gan'an Shinomiya chuckled.
"Our family has always maintained a deep interest in sorcery," he admitted. "We have certain governnt ties that provide us with unique information channels."
"Of course," he added with a knowing glance, "our relationship with Suguru Geto has also granted us valuable insights."
Ryuu's gaze sharpened.
They really did their howork.
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